America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees. Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.

Here’s a tip – many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

Quick! Get out there, you folks in the Washington DC area!!
Friday, August 6, 2010 | 10 – 11 AM — or plan to participate in the August 20 release!!

Please join the staff of the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division as they release native ladybugs in the Native Croplands on the south side of the museum. These natural pest controls are an eco-friendly and fun way to control pests in the landscape.
Time Detail: (weather permitting)
Categories: Demonstrations, Kids & Families
Venue: American Indian Museum
Event Location: Outdoor Croplands (near Maryland Ave. entrance, south side) (weather permitting)
Cost: Free
Continues: Repeats Friday, August 20

Hok-noth-da? (Did you hear?)—Listen! I Have a Story to Tell
Friday, August 6, 2010 | 11:30 AM – 12 PM

(for ages 5-9) A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans. “Hok-noth-da?” means “Did you hear?” in the Shawnee language.

June through August 2010:
• Most days: 11:30 AM

Note
– Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Categories: Kids & Families
Venue: American Indian Museum
Event Location: Resource Center, 3rd Level
Cost: Free; walk-in